Oklahoma Mortgage Group - Mike David

The Federal Reserve wrapped up its January 2026 meeting with no change to the Fed Funds rate , keeping it in the current range of 3.50%–3.75% . While there has been plenty of public pressure on the Fed to lower rates, today’s decision was not a surprise to the market. In fact, this marks a pause after a series of recent rate cuts and reflects the Fed’s “wait and see” approach as it evaluates where the economy goes next. Why Didn’t the Fed Cut Rates? The Fed has two primary goals: Keep inflation under control Maintain a healthy job market To justify additional rate cuts, the Fed needs to see one of two things: A noticeable slowdown in the job market, or Inflation moving convincingly closer to its 2% target At the moment, neither of these conditions is strong enough to warrant another cut. Employment remains relatively stable, and inflation is easing, but not yet at the level the Fed wants to see. When Could Rates Start Coming Down Again? Current market expectation...

The Federal Reserve just announced another 0.25% rate cut , and if you’re thinking about buying a home in Oklahoma, you’re probably wondering what that means for your mortgage rate and monthly payment. At Oklahoma Mortgage Group , we’ve been walking our clients and realtor partners through what this actually means in real life—not just on Wall Street. Does a Fed Rate Cut Mean Lower Mortgage Rates? Not automatically. The Fed controls the Fed Funds Rate , which directly impacts short-term rates like credit cards, auto loans, and home equity lines of credit. Longer-term fixed mortgage rates , like the 30-year conventional loan most Oklahoma buyers use, are more influenced by: Inflation data Jobs reports Bond market expectations (especially the 10-year Treasury) So while a Fed cut can help create a friendlier rate environment over time, it doesn’t guarantee your 30-year mortgage rate will drop right away. Why Waiting for the “Perfect Rate” Can Backfire Many buyers say, ...

After a few years where the housing market felt like it was stuck in neutral, 2026 could be the year Oklahoma real estate shifts back into gear . Across Tulsa, Bixby, Broken Arrow, and beyond, more families are expected to make a move as affordability begins to improve. More Homes Will Sell Experts predict an increase in home sales in 2026 as both buyers and sellers start to feel more confident. After several years of limited activity, this renewed momentum could open the door for you to buy or sell with stronger market conditions. Mortgage Rates Could Ease After peaking near 7% earlier this year, mortgage rates are expected to gradually decline into the low 6s or even high 5s, according to Fannie Mae, MBA, and Wells Fargo forecasts. Even a small dip can mean hundreds in monthly savings for Oklahoma buyers. Home Prices Will Rise at a Sustainable Pace Instead of the rapid price jumps we saw in past years, projections show more balanced growth — averaging around 2–4% nationwide. L...

The current federal government shutdown may cause temporary delays in certain mortgage programs, especially those backed by federal agencies. At Oklahoma Mortgage Group , we’re focused on helping homebuyers and real estate partners understand what this means and how to stay on track toward closing. FHA and VA Loans These programs continue to operate, but because they rely on federal staff for certain approvals, buyers may experience longer processing times or slower response from government offices. USDA Loans New USDA loan commitments and guarantees are on hold until the government resumes full operations. Homebuyers using USDA financing will need to wait for agency approval before closing. Conventional Loans Loans through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are not directly impacted and continue to move forward as usual. Flood Insurance The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) cannot issue new or renewal policies during the shutdown. Buyers purchasing in a flood zone should secure ...

Over the past few years, rising home prices and interest rates have made homebuying feel out of reach. But here’s some encouraging news: mortgage rates have finally started to stabilize , and that’s a big deal for Tulsa buyers. As shown in the chart below, rates have held steady in the mid-6% range since late 2024.  Forecasts from Fannie Mae, MBA, and Wells Fargo all agree, rates are expected to remain in the 6’s through 2026.  That means less guesswork and more confidence as you plan your move. Why it matters: When rates are all over the place, it’s hard to know what your monthly payment might be. But with this new stability, buyers have a clearer picture of their budget — and that makes buying a home feel less risky and more realistic. Expert forecasts suggest rates might tick down slowly, but we likely won’t see a dramatic drop anytime soon. Trying to time the market could mean missing today’s opportunity. Ready to run the numbers and see what your monthly payment co...

 

Tulsa, Oklahoma, offers a variety of neighborhoods and suburbs to suit families of all sizes and needs. From top-rated schools to family-friendly amenities, the Tulsa metro area is full of great places to call home. Let’s explore some of the best neighborhoods and cities to help you find the perfect fit. 1. Jenks Schools : Jenks Public Schools are among the best in the state, known for their academic excellence and extracurricular programs. Amenities : The new outlet mall offers premier shopping, and the revitalized downtown area is bustling with nightlife, bars, and restaurants, including a new steakhouse. The Oklahoma Aquarium is another family favorite. Restaurants/Groceries : Enjoy local favorites like Andolini’s Pizzeria and dine riverside at Los Cabos. Grocery options include Sprouts and Reasor’s. Pros : Safe, walkable, highly rated schools, growing nightlife scene. Cons : Growing popularity means higher home prices. 2. Bixby Schools : Bixby Public Schools are highly rated, with ...

If you’ve been wondering why mortgage rates remain stubbornly high, the answer lies in the strength of the U.S. job market and its impact on key financial indicators like the 10-year Treasury yield. Let’s break it down: Mortgage rates often follow the 10-year Treasury yield, which reflects investor sentiment about the economy. As of early 2025, the 10-year Treasury yield is holding near 4.6%, a level that continues to support elevated mortgage rates. But why is the yield so high? The resilience of the labor market plays a significant role. Recent data shows that jobless claims—an indicator of layoffs—remain low, with seasonally adjusted claims at just 211,000 in December 2024. This signals a strong job market, which reassures investors that the economy can withstand higher interest rates. As a result, the Federal Reserve has less incentive to cut rates, and bond yields stay elevated. This dynamic has a direct impact on mortgage rates. For prospective homebuyers, it means rates may not ...

 You may have heard some recent buzz about the economy and concerns about a potential recession. It's completely understandable for this type of talk to raise worries about the possibility of a housing market crash. However, there's good news – there's no need to panic. The housing market is not set up for a crash right now, and here are two key reasons why. Demand for Homes Is Higher than Supply One of the main reasons the housing market crashed in 2008 was due to an oversupply of homes. But the situation today is quite different. A balanced real estate market typically has about six months' supply of homes. When there's more than that, it signals that supply outpaces demand, and prices could fall. However, when there's less than that, it means demand is higher than supply, which tends to keep prices stable or push them higher. The graph below shows that in the lead-up to the 2008 financial crisis, there were 13 months of housing supply, which was far too much....

When you’re ready to buy a home, it’s essential to understand all the costs involved. While your down payment is a significant factor, don't overlook closing costs . As your trusted Tulsa mortgage lender , I’m here to break it down for you. What Are Closing Costs? Closing costs are additional fees that come with finalizing your home purchase. Every buyer pays these, so it’s important to plan for them. Here’s a breakdown of the typical fees: Application fees Credit report fees Loan origination fees Appraisal fees Home inspection fees Title insurance Homeowners insurance Survey fees Attorney fees Some of these costs are one-time expenses, while others (like homeowners insurance) are ongoing responsibilities after you move in. How Much Are Closing Costs? On average, closing costs range from 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price . For example: If you're buying a home for $422,600 (the current median price), your closing costs could be between $8,452 and $21,130 . Keep in mind tha...

As we move toward 2025, the housing market is already shaping up to be a more favorable environment for buyers. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to make your move, here’s what the latest forecasts predict. Mortgage Rates in 2025: Projected to Come Down With inflation cooling, Tulsa mortgage rates are expected to decline throughout 2025, making home loans more affordable for buyers. As per recent projections (as of September 2024), interest rates from major institutions like Fannie Mae, MBA, NAR, and Wells Fargo suggest a gradual reduction: Q1 2025 average: 6.30% Q4 2025 average: 5.98% This is great news for anyone considering applying for a Tulsa home loan . Lower interest rates can help you save significantly on your mortgage in the long run. More Homes Expected to Sell in 2025 The lower Tulsa mortgage interest rates are projected to boost home sales. The forecast suggests an increase in buyer activity, with the total home sales reaching up to 5.7 million units nationwide...

Good news! Mortgage rates have started to trend down a bit. While this is great for anyone looking to buy a home, it's important to remember that rates can still fluctuate as they're influenced by several factors. The economy, inflation, and even decisions made by the Federal Reserve all play a role in these changes. It’s true that rates have been easing, but you might still notice some bumps along the way as new economic data comes in. Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, puts it best: “The ongoing deceleration in inflation, coupled with the Federal Reserve’s recent indication of potential rate cuts [in 2024], suggests an environment supportive of modest declines in mortgage rates. Barring any unforeseen circumstances and resurgence in inflation, lower mortgage rates could be on the horizon, but the journey towards them might be slow and bumpy.” In short, while you could see lower rates in the future, it’s a good idea to be prepared for some fluctuations alon...

Understanding the Latest Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Decision At its July 2024 meeting, the Federal Open Market Committee announced no change to the Fed funds rate, keeping it at 5.25% to 5.50%, the highest level in 23 years. This decision aligns with market expectations and reflects a careful approach by the Fed despite recent calls for a rate cut. Key Takeaways for Tulsa Realtors and Homebuyers Future Rate Cuts Expected : Market anticipation is high (near 100%) for the first rate cut at the next FOMC meeting on September 18. Future rate cuts could begin a new cycle, potentially starting in September. Market Indicators : Balanced risks between employment and price stability suggest a shift towards rate cuts. Keep an eye on upcoming inflation and job market data. Challenges Ahead : Consider the impact of the presidential election, geopolitical risks, and economic trends. Anticipate changes in U.S. Treasury financing auctions affecting interest rates. Near-Term Focus : Monitor ...

Are you worried about a Tulsa housing market crash? Don't be. Unlike 2008, today's Tulsa real estate market is different. Experts agree: a crash is not expected in the near future. Why Tulsa Home Prices Are Stable The key factor is Tulsa housing inventory . For a crash to occur, there would need to be an oversupply of Tulsa homes for sale . Currently, we're experiencing the opposite – an undersupply. This is true even with recent inventory growth. Three Key Factors Impacting Tulsa Real Estate Inventory Existing Tulsa Homes for Sale: While there are more existing homes on the market compared to last year, the overall supply remains low. This means there simply aren't enough homes available to cause a price drop. New Home Construction in Tulsa: Although new home construction has increased, it's not a cause for concern. Tulsa home builders are actually playing catch-up after years of underbuilding. Distressed Property (Foreclosures/Short Sales) in Tulsa: Tha...